Factional Tensions Escalate in PDP as Secretaries Plan to Resume
The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is intensifying as two rival factional secretaries, Sunday Ude-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu, are set to return to their positions on Monday, January 13, 2025. The conflict threatens to deepen the party’s internal divisions, especially after the Court of Appeal recently confirmed Ude-Okoye as the legitimate national secretary, a decision that Anyanwu has yet to accept.
Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu confirmed in separate interviews with The Bureau Newspaper on Sunday that they both intend to resume work at the PDP National Headquarters in Wadata Plaza, Abuja. Despite the appellate court’s ruling, which validated Ude-Okoye’s appointment, Anyanwu continues to claim his authority as the officially recognized national secretary.
This standoff has further polarized the party, with various high-ranking members, including governors and at least 12 members of the National Working Committee (NWC), aligning with one of the two secretaries. Meanwhile, some critics within the PDP blame Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman and ally of the late Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, for the party’s ongoing internal struggles following the 2023 elections.
The controversy dates back to the 2023 Imo State gubernatorial race, where Anyanwu was nominated as the PDP’s candidate, leading the South-East leadership to propose Ude-Okoye as his replacement as national secretary. The legal disputes over Ude-Okoye’s appointment have since led to conflicting court rulings, further complicating the situation.
In late December 2024, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Enugu High Court to confirm Ude-Okoye as the rightful national secretary. Following this ruling, Ude-Okoye attempted to assume office on December 31, but Anyanwu declared the national secretariat off-limits until January 13, 2025, fueling further tension within the party.
The factional divide has already resulted in clashes, including a physical altercation involving party officials loyal to Anyanwu. Ude-Okoye has stated that he intends to resume his duties without conflict, emphasizing his belief that the NWC remains unified under his leadership.
In response to concerns about potential violence, Ude-Okoye expressed confidence that those genuinely committed to the party would avoid actions that could harm its unity. He also emphasized his ongoing commitment to his role as national secretary and reiterated that he would be at the party headquarters when necessary.
Meanwhile, Anyanwu, who has requested a stay of execution, maintains that he is the rightful national secretary. He expressed optimism about resolving the issue peacefully, citing the stay as confirmation that the status quo remains in place.
PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara has urged party members to respect the court’s decision to avoid further chaos, warning that failure to address the internal conflict could have dire consequences for both the party and the country. He called for unity within the NWC and a concerted effort to put an end to the ongoing strife.
As the situation continues to unfold, the fate of the PDP’s unity rests on the willingness of both factions to abide by the court’s rulings and work together for the greater good of the party and the nation.
